Research reported on November 5, 2007 at the American Association for Cancer Research Centennial Conference on Translational Cancer Medicine indicates that inositol as well as inositol hexaphosphate (IP6) helps protect the body’s genetic material from the damaging effects of ultraviolet B (UVB) and other radiation. University of Maryland School of Medicine professor of pathology Abulkalam M. Shamsuddin, MD reported that these antioxidant nutrients protect the cells’ DNA from radiation-generated free radicals. In addition to providing protection from UVB, inositol could be used to help decrease the side effects of cancer radiation therapy by increasing the treatment’s potency against malignant cells while protecting those that are healthy.

In one experiment, Dr Shamsuddin’s team treated human skin cells known as keratinocytes with IP6 while leaving others untreated before irradiating them with UVB. Treated cells were less likely to undergo genetically programmed self-destruction (apoptosis), indicating that they had less irreparable DNA damage. Dr Shamsuddin explained that the cells treated with IP6 take an extended pause at the point in their life cycle where DNA is repaired before cell division.

“IP6 certainly has some interactivity with DNA, but how exactly it works to repair DNA is still something of a mystery,” he said. “There are reports that IP6 binds with DNA repair molecule Ku to bring about the repair process. More importantly, we still don’t know how IP6 can appear to help healthy cells live while also enhancing the ability of radiation to kill cancer cells.”

In another experiment, the researchers gave drinking water containing two percent IP6 to part of a group of mice genetically engineered to have an increased risk of developing skin cancer. Tumors developed in 23 percent of these mice compared with 51 percent of those who did not receive IP6, and the number of tumors in the mice that received IP6 was half that of the untreated animals.

In yet another experiment, a cream containing inositol and IP6 helped to protect against the development of tumors in mice exposed to UVB radiation equivalent to sun exposure. “Both of these potent antioxidants have been shown to have broad-spectrum antitumor capabilities, and now our studies confirm the degree to which these molecules protect against the DNA-damaging effects of ionizing radiation,” Dr Shamsuddin stated. “Radiation damage is radiation damage, regardless of the source, so there could also be a protective role for IP6 in any form of radiation exposure, whether it is from a therapeutic dose or from solar, cosmic or nuclear sources.”

“It is possible that people regularly exposed to ionizing radiation, such as airline pilots, frequent fliers or people who handle radioactive materials, might take IP6 prophylactically to prevent possible long term effects of exposure,” he added. “It could also be advisable to use IP6 plus inositol as a cautionary treatment following a nuclear disaster or dirty bomb.”

Although there are many diseases that can affect the skin, the most common problems that we all have are the effects of our exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun over time. In the last 10 years, with the changes in the ozone layer in the upper atmosphere, it is clear that the effects of UV radiation from the sun are much more dangerous than originally thought. There are many causes for the accumulated cellular damage in the skin that we call aging. Among these are the oxidative processes and related free radical damage that result from UV sunlight, smog, toxins, cigarette smoke, X-rays, drugs, and other stressors. Young skin is also exposed to these potentially damaging changes, but when we are young, there is sufficient cellular energy (ATP) for DNA repair and cell renewal. Enzymes that provide antioxidant activity such as SOD and catalase are readily available. As we age, there is increased wear and tear, while at the same time the energy for cell repair and renewal is diminished and the antioxidant enzymes are less available.

Human studies have demonstrated pronounced protective effects of antioxidants when applied topically before UV radiation exposure. With respect to UVB-induced skin damage, the photoprotective effects of antioxidants are significant. Topical application of such combinations may result in a sustained antioxidant capacity of the skin, possibly due to antioxidant synergisms. Free radicals are culprits behind UVA-induced skin alterations, thus indicating a basis for topical antioxidant administration. In a human study, topical application of antioxidants resulted in diminished severity of UVA-induced sun damage. Thus, regular application of skin care products containing antioxidants may be of the utmost benefit in efficiently preparing skin against exogenous oxidative stressors occurring during daily life. Sunscreen agents may also benefit from combination with antioxidants resulting in increased safety and efficacy of such photoprotective products (Dreher et al. 2001).

While many sunscreens can help prevent sunburn, they fail to protect against free radicals that are generated in response to solar radiation. Free radicals not only destroy the skin's youthful support structure, but their DNA-mutating effect increases harmful effects on skin. Startling findings reveal that conventional sunscreens may not prevent skin damage.

Scientists have discovered that the same antioxidants that suppress free radicals when ingested also protect the skin when topically applied. Life Extension has developed a cream that provides full-spectrum defense against all three types of ultraviolet radiation (short-wave UVA, long-wave UVA, and UVB).

Additional Information

This supplement should be taken in conjunction with a healthy diet and regular exercise program. Individual results are not guaranteed and results may vary.

The information provided on this site is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or other health care professional or any information contained on or in any product label or packaging. You should not use the information on this site for diagnosis or treatment of any health problem or for prescription of any medication or other treatment. You should consult with a healthcare professional before starting any diet, exercise or supplementation program, before taking any medication, or if you have or suspect you might have a health problem. You should not stop taking any medication without first consulting your physician.

Product Guarantee

If you are not 100% satisfied with any purchase made directly from Life Extension®, just return your purchase within 12 months of original purchase date and we will either replace the product for you, credit your original payment method or credit your Life Extension account for the full amount of the original purchase price (less shipping and handling).

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.